Nasopharyngeal cancer
What causes nasopharyngeal cancer?
The exact cause of nasopharyngeal cancer is unknown, buta number of factors can increase your risk of developing the condition. These include:
- being of south Chinese or north African descent
- having a diet very high in salt-cured meats and fish
- being exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that causes glandular fever
- having a job where you're regularly exposed to hardwood dust
- having a first-degree relative, such as a parent, who's had the condition
Being exposed to the human papilloma virus (HPV) may also increase your risk of developing certain types of nasopharyngeal cancer.
About three times as many men as women are affected by nasopharyngeal cancer, and the average age at diagnosis is about 50.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Definition
Find out what nasopharyngeal cancer is, what the signs and symptoms are, what causes it, and how it's diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer
It's often difficult to recognise nasopharyngeal cancer because the symptoms are similar to other, less serious conditions. Also, many people with nasopharyngeal cancer don't have any symptoms until t
What causes nasopharyngeal cancer?
The exact cause of nasopharyngeal cancer is unknown, buta number of factors can increase your risk of developing the condition. These include: being of south Chinese or north African descent having a
Diagnosing nasopharyngeal cancer
If you see your GP with symptoms that could indicate nasopharyngeal cancer, they'll usually ask about your symptoms and carry out some examinations. This may involve examining your throat using a smal
How nasopharyngeal cancer is treated
If you're diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, you'll be cared for by a team of different specialists who work together called a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Members of your MDT will discuss with yo
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